Response-detecting device

ABSTRACT

A device for detecting the responses of the questionees given by means of their selection switches through the lamp indication, other indicating and recording means, or other indicatingrecording means which is so arranged as to be actuated for a predetermined time by the means of &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;shorting type&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; switches (in which the moving contacts in contact with the fixed contacts are not immediately opened in response to the switching action), so that even when the questionees may change their responses, their first answers may be indicated during said predetermined time.

United States Patent Koizumi [4 1 Jan. 18, 1972 [54] RESPONSE-DETECTING DEVICE [72] Inventor: Masami Koizumi, Kawasaki-shi, Japan FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 61,137 4/1968 Germany ..35/9

73 I Assignee Kabushrkl Kalsha Rlcoh, Tokyo, Japan Primary Examiner Roben W Michell Filedl 1969 Assistant ExaminerJ. H. Wolff [21 APPL N 875,336 Attorney-Burgess, Ryan and Hicks [57] ABSTRACT [30] Foreign Application Priority Data A device for detecting the responses of the questionees given NOV. 13, Japan means of their selection witches through the lamp indica. tion, other indicating and recording means, or other indicat- [52] US. Cl ..35/48 B ing recording means which is so arranged as to be actuated for 2; I G09) 7/02 a predetermined time by the means of shorting type 1 le dofsearch ..35/9, s itc e (in e i g n c i Contact e fixed contacts are not immediately opened in response to the [56] References cued switching action), so that even when the questionees may UNITED STATES PATENTS change their responses, their first answers may be indicated during said predetermined time. 3,186,109 6/1965 Brinton ..35/9 3,477,142 11/1969 Cornell, 111 et al ..35/9 8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Bl Sm (a) M 8 i I 82 L3 L2 LI 1 MS3-I MSZ-l M Q\ I I l X B3 1 83-2 |Ms2-2 age-34.952

PATENTED JAN 1 8 I972 SHEET 1 or 2 I PRIOR ART} FIG. 2

l a M M. 1a

Q IL n1 PATENTEU JAN 1 e 1972 SHEET 2 BF 2 FIG.4

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a response-detecting device or system and more particularly to a device for detecting the responses of the trainees in group training or the like.

In the conventional device of the type described above used in the group training as a teaching machine, a master or teacher equipment unit is provided for a teacher, questioner or trainer and each of the questionees or trainees is provided with a student or secondary equipment unit so that each questionee or student switches his response selection switch in response to a question asked by the questioner, thereby indicating his answer YES or NO. The questioner can detect the responses by switching his selection switch and for example by turning on the indicating lamps according to the answers.

However, each questionee may arbitrarily switch his response selecting switch after he has once chosen his initial answer, so that the questioner finds it very difficult to definitely sum up the answers through the lamp indication, through other indicating and recording means or through indicatingrecording means because the answers are not stationary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The response detection device or system in accordance with the present invention is so arranged that the initial response recording or indicating state of the detecting device which has been set by the initial switching of the questionees response selection switches will remain unchanged for a predetermined time even when the questionees switch their response selection switches to other positions from their first selected positions. Therefore, when the answers are summed up during this predetermined time, when the initial state of the response-cletecting device remains unchanged, they may be correctly summed up without any confusion.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the master equipment for the questioner, there are provided self-holding type relays and shorting type switches for holding the relays in operative position for a predetermined time even after the relay circuits are opened. (A shorting type switch is such that the moving contact in contact with the fixed contact is not open therefrom immediately in response to the switching action, but is opened only after the selected contact is made in contact with the moving contact). However, in spite of its advantages, the shorting type" switch is complex in construction, manufacture, and response timing adjustment.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, therefore, instead of the shorting type switch, the ordinary type selection switch is employed in addition to a capacitor connected in parallel with the relay so that the charging and discharge time of the capacitor may be utilized for providing said predetermined time which is provided by the shorting type" switch in the first embodiment.

Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a response-detecting device which will cause no confusion or trouble in summing up the answers even when the questionees may change their initial answers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a response-detecting device simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and reliable to operate.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of illustrative embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a conventional response-detecting device;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating only the principal components ofa second embodiment thereof; and

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention incorporating therein the circuit illustrated in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a conventional responsedetecting device. A questioner is provided with a master equipment Q while questionees are provided with secondary equipments Al, A2, A3 and so on respectively. In response to the question asked by the questioner, the questionees operate their response selection switches so as to answer YES or NO. In this case, the questioner switches a switch Sm of the master equipment 0 either to the position or contact (a) or (b) so that he may detect the responses of his questionees from the lamps L1, L2, L3 and so on which are turned on or off depending upon whether the questionees answer YES" or NO. For example, when the questioner switches the switch Sm to (a) (this side is assumed to be a correct answer), the current from a power source B is supplied to the contacts (ml) of the response selection switches S1, S2, S3 and so on. As shown in FIG. 1, only the switch S1 of the secondary equipment Al is switched to the contact (aa), so that the current flows only through the lamp Ll, thus lighting the same. This means that only the questionee at the secondary equipment Al, has answered the right answer. On the other hand, when the switch sm is switched to the contact (b), the current from the power source B flows to the contacts (ba) of the switches S2 and S3 so that the lamps L2 and L3 are turned on, thus indicating that the questionees at the secondary equipments A2 and A3 have given the wrong answer.

However, the questionees may change their switches from one contact to another after they have originally positioned their switches according to their responses so that it is difficult to sum up the responses by recording or indicating means. Accordingly, the present invention has for its object to provide a response-detecting device of the type in which relay means are used so that after the questionees have initially selected their answers, their answers remain unchanged even if they switch their response switches, thereby eliminating the abovedescribed defect.

In FIG. 2, reference characters M1, M2, M3 and so on designate relays connected to moving contacts (ca) of the selection or response switches 51, S2, S3 and so on of the secondary equipment A1, l-A2, A3 and so on and adapted to select either of switches Msl-l, Ms2l, Ms3-l and so on for turning on and off the lamps L1, L2, L3 and so on corresponding to those of the secondary equipments Al, A2, A3 and so on or switches Msl2, Ms22, Ms3-2 and so on for self-holding the relays M1, M2, M3 and so on. The switches Msl0l3 l, MsZ-l, Ms3-l and so on are connected in series to the lamps L1, L2, L3 and so on connected between the terminals B1 and B2 of the power source B in such a manner that when the relays are actuated, the switches are closed, thereby turning on the lamps. The switches Msl2, Ms22, Ms3-2 and so on are connected between the terminal B2 and a ter minal B3 branched from the terminal B2 through a pushbutton switch SH as shown in FIG. -2 so that when the switch SH is closed so as to energize the relays, they are connected to the terminal B2, whereby even when the switch SH is opened, the relays may remain energized or self-held. The switching mechanism which is generally called shorting type" (the contacts are not opened immediately after switching, but are opened after the moving contact contacts with the other contact) is employed in each of the switches Msl-Z, Ms2-2, M3-2 and so on.

Next the mode of operation will be described hereinafter. When the switch Sm of the master equipment Q is switched to the contact (a) and only S1 is switched to the contact (aa), upon depression of the pushbutton switch SH, the current flows from the terminal B1, to the terminal B2 through the switch Sm (a), switch Sl(aa) relay Ml, switch Msl-Z, terminal B3, and the pushbutton switch SH so that the relay M1, is energized. Upon energization of the relay M1, the moving contact of the switch Ms1-2 is switched to the contact connected directly to the terminal B2, thereby closing the switch Msl--I so as to connect the lamp L1 to the terminals B1 and B2, thereby turning on the lamp L1. In this case, even after the pushbutton switch SH is opened, the relay M1 is held in energized position by means of the switch Msl-2. Therefore, even when the switch S1 of the secondary equipment A1 is switched to the contact (ba), the switch Msl-Z of the socalled shorting type cannot response immediately so that the answer may be summed up until the time when the switch Msl-Z is actuated.

Furthermore, even when the switches S2 and S3 are switched to the contacts (aa) under the condition that the pushbutton SH is opened and the relay M1 is self-held, the relays M2 and M3 are not energized so that the total of the YES" and NO" answers may be summed up without being disturbed by the switchings of the selection switches S1, S2, S3 and so on.

The shorting type" switches Msl-2, Ms22, Ms32 and so on which are arranged in the circuit shown in FIG. 2 so as to be actuated by the relays are complex in construction, manufacture and response time adjustment, etc. Therefore, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the self-holding type switches having the ordinary contacts are used in addition to the capacitor C connected in parallel with the switch so that the circuit shown in FIG. 3 may function the same as that of the shorting type" switch. Upon depression of the switch SH and when the switch S is closed, the current is supplied to the relay M from the power source B. Simultaneously, the capacitor C connected in parallel with the relay M is charged through a resistor R. When the switch Ss is disconnected from the contact (x) by the relay, the current from the capacitor flows into the relay so that the switch Ss is connected to the contact (y). Thereafter, the relay M remains in its self-holding position independently of the opening and closing of the switch SH. It is noted that the capacitor C, as well as the resistor R serve to absorb" the EMF produced across the relay M when the circuit is opened. In the circuit illustrated in FIG. 3, the relay M is energized BY THE CURRENT SUPPLIED FROM THE CAPACITOR C even when the switch S is opened so that the switch actuated by the relay may remain actuated and the indication by lamps and the recording means may be accomplished during this time.

The circuit diagram of the response detection device employing the circuit illustrated in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4. The embodiment described above in FIG. 2 is for selecting either YES" or NO," but the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is for selecting one of four answers and for this purpose fourcontact or four-position switches Sma, Sla and S211 and four rectifiers D for each switch are connected as shown in FIG. 4. A power source Ba for answer indicating lamps LI and L2 arranged in the master equipment is provided independently of the DC power source B.

From the description with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is readily seen that when the multicontact rotary switch Sma of the master equipment 0 is switched, the relay M1 and M2 are energized by the multicontact rotary switches S and 82a of the secondary equipments Al and A2 which are switched to the contacts corresponding to the contact of the switch Sma; the relay actuating time is controlled by the capacitor C and the lamps L1 and L2 are turned on by the relays. Therefore, no further detailed description of the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 4 will be made. The first response switch position selected by the questionee is held for a predetermined time, and indicated by the lamp, which is turned on by the relay, so that the questioner may sum up the first answers as in the case of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2. In the conventional one-out-of-four selection circuit, five personal circuits or lines must be provided for each secondary equipment, but when the four-contact switches and rectifiers are employed in accordance with the present invention, only three lines of one personal circuit N and two common lines P may be provided for each secondary equipment in the construction of the one-out-of-four selection circuit. Furthermore, when the lamps Lla, L2a, L3a, and so on which are turned on by the current flowing through the relays are interconnected between the relays and the moving contacts of the selection switches of the secondary equipments as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the questionees may advantageously confirm their responses respectively.

Iclaim:

l. A teacher testing student-responsive apparatus comprising 1. a series combination of a. means for connecting to a source of electrical energy, b. a plurality of pairs of teacher switch contacts,

c. teacher operative means for closing one of said plurality of pairs of teacher switch contacts, said pair of contacts being closed corresponding to the correct response to a given question,

. a plurality ofpairs ofstudent switch contacts,

. student operative response means for closing one of said plurality of pairs of student switch contacts, each of said pairs ofstudent switch contacts being connected in series with a corresponding pair of teacher contacts,

f. relay means, having an energizing winding connected between corresponding pairs of teacher and student contacts, for latching to a first condition when an electric signal passes therethrough and remaining in a second condition in the absence of an electric signal passing therethrough, and

g. a teacher operative momentary switch,

2. indicating means for indicating when said relay is in said first condition, whereby upon closing of the correct response teacher switch contacts and the corresponding student switch contacts, and operation of the momentary switch, an electrical signal flows from the source of electrical energy through the energizing winding to latch the relay thereby activating said indicating means to show a correct student response.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said student operative response means and said relay means are connected adjacent one another and said apparatus further comprising at least a series combination of one additional student operative response means and at least one additional relay means connected; said series combination being connected in parallel with the first student operative response means and the first relay means; and at least one additional indicating means associated with each of said additional student operative response means and additional relay means for indicating when an associated relay is in said first condition.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising at least one additional indicating means; said additional indicating means associated with said additional student operative response means and relay means all of said indicating means being located adjacent to said teacher operative means for viewing by a teacher; and further comprising a plurality of second indicating means each associated with one student operative response means and associated relay means for indicating when said relay is in the first position and said second indicating means being located adjacent each student operative response means for viewing by a student.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said indicating means is located adjacent to said teacher operative means for viewing by the teacher; and further comprising a second indicating means for indicating when said relay is in the first condition, said second indicating means being located adjacent the student operative response means for viewing by a student.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said relay means is a double pole double throw contact relay, wherein said double throws correspond to said first and second conditions; said relay includes an energization winding with an input connected in the series combination and an output connected to one of said poles; the second condition (or throw position) contact of said one of said one poles being connected in the series combination; and the first condition (or other throw position) contact of said one of said poles being connected to a same electrical potential as said potential when the series circuit is closed and electrically conducting.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of pairs of contacts in said teacher operative means and student operativc means are in rotary switches.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said rotary switches each have a movable contact and four fixed contacts; a pair of conductors connecting two teacher switch fixed contacts to two student fixed contacts; four diodes connected to said four fixed contacts with all of said diodes being poled in a forward direction; four more diodes connected to the other four fixed contacts and all of said four diodes being poled in a reverse direction; and said pair of conductors being also connected between said remaining two fixed teacher contact diodes and the two fixed student contact diodes.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said latching relay means have a series connected resistor and capacitor in parallel with its energization winding.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF 'CORRECTlON Dated January 18, 1972 Patent No. 3,634, 952

-(SO Masami Koizumi It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 52, change "MslOl3" to Msl-l Column 3, line 37, before "EMF" insert counter Column 4, line 53, before "all" insert a comma.

Signed and sealed this 10th day of October 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,J'R. ROBERT G OTTSCHALK v Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer Case 1770-169 USCOMM'DC 60376-1 69 5 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I969 O366-334 FORM PO-105O (10-69) 

1. A teacher testing student-responsive apparatus comprising
 1. a series combination of a. means for connecting to a source of electrical energy, b. a plurality of pairs of teacher switch contacts, c. teacher operative means for closing one of said plurality of pairs of teacher switch contacts, said pair of contacts being closed corresponding to the correct response to a given question, d. a plurality of pairs of student switch contacts, e. student operative response means for closing one of said plurality of pairs of student switch contacts, each of said pairs of student switch contacts being connected in series with a corresponding pair of teacher contacts, f. relay means, having an energizing winding connected between corresponding pairs of teacher and student contacts, for latching to a first condition when an electric signal passes therethrough and remaining in a second condition in the absence of an electric signal passing therethrough, and g. a teacher operative momentary switch,
 2. indicating means for indicating when said relay is in said first condition, whereby upon closing of the correct response teacher switch contacts and the corresponding student switch contacts, and operation of the momentary switch, an electrical signal flows from the source of electrical energy through the energizing winding to latch the relay thereby activating said indicating meaNs to show a correct student response.
 2. indicating means for indicating when said relay is in said first condition, whereby upon closing of the correct response teacher switch contacts and the corresponding student switch contacts, and operation of the momentary switch, an electrical signal flows from the source of electrical energy through the energizing winding to latch the relay thereby activating said indicating meaNs to show a correct student response.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said student operative response means and said relay means are connected adjacent one another and said apparatus further comprising at least a series combination of one additional student operative response means and at least one additional relay means connected; said series combination being connected in parallel with the first student operative response means and the first relay means; and at least one additional indicating means associated with each of said additional student operative response means and additional relay means for indicating when an associated relay is in said first condition.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising at least one additional indicating means; said additional indicating means associated with said additional student operative response means and relay means all of said indicating means being located adjacent to said teacher operative means for viewing by a teacher; and further comprising a plurality of second indicating means each associated with one student operative response means and associated relay means for indicating when said relay is in the first position and said second indicating means being located adjacent each student operative response means for viewing by a student.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said indicating means is located adjacent to said teacher operative means for viewing by the teacher; and further comprising a second indicating means for indicating when said relay is in the first condition, said second indicating means being located adjacent the student operative response means for viewing by a student.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said relay means is a double pole double throw contact relay, wherein said double throws correspond to said first and second conditions; said relay includes an energization winding with an input connected in the series combination and an output connected to one of said poles; the second condition (or throw position) contact of said one of said one poles being connected in the series combination; and the first condition (or other throw position) contact of said one of said poles being connected to a same electrical potential as said potential when the series circuit is closed and electrically conducting.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of pairs of contacts in said teacher operative means and student operative means are in rotary switches.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said rotary switches each have a movable contact and four fixed contacts; a pair of conductors connecting two teacher switch fixed contacts to two student fixed contacts; four diodes connected to said four fixed contacts with all of said diodes being poled in a forward direction; four more diodes connected to the other four fixed contacts and all of said four diodes being poled in a reverse direction; and said pair of conductors being also connected between said remaining two fixed teacher contact diodes and the two fixed student contact diodes.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said latching relay means have a series connected resistor and capacitor in parallel with its energization winding. 